"It’s about safe and controlled scientific experimentation," Noel began, only for Hatterick to interrupt, waving his arms dramatically.
"Yes, yes! And did you know that if you combine certain alchemical properties with a bit of moonlight—no, wait, that only works if the moon is waxing—ah, but what if we use a distillation process instead? Then theoretically—"
Elric, Rune, and Fibble exchanged a glance. It was clear neither of them had the patience for this, nor any real interest in scientific pursuits.
Rune carefully tried to steer the conversation.
"That sounds… fascinating, but we should check out the other clubs before deciding."
Unfortunately, Fibble muttered, "We’d be here all day if we let him keep talking. Scient is really not my cup of tea."
Hatterick’s eyes lit up. "Oh, tea! Now that reminds me—did you know that certain leaf extractions could, in theory, enhance magical conductivity if steeped at just the right—"
Before he could spiral further, you all quickly made your exit, heading to the next club.
It was the Photography Club—or at least, what was supposed to be a club. What met your eyes instead was a rather hastily thrown-together booth, with a single, slightly wrinkled banner that read "Photography Club" in uneven handwriting. A lone student stood behind it, adjusting a camera lens with the delicate precision of someone handling glasswork.
Ren Chisora looked up at your approach, his green-tinted hair catching the light as he shyly greeted you. His gaze flickered toward Rune’s tail—watchful, cautious, but not immediately alarmed. He hesitated for a brief moment before clearing his throat.
“Um, h-hi. Welcome to the Photography Club,” he stammered. “It’s, uh… a bit shabby, I know. But I—I really wanted a photography club, and since there wasn’t one, I got permission from Headmage Arclight to start my own.” He fidgeted slightly, his fingers tapping the side of his camera. “So, for now, it’s just me.”
Rune gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, photography isn’t really my thing.”
Elric, however, smirked. “I prefer being in pictures rather than taking them. But if you ever need a model, let me know.”
Fibble, ever the commentator, tilted his head. “So, you’ve started a club where you’re the only member? How very exclusive.”
Ren flushed, but to his credit, he smiled a little. “It’s fine. I’m sure other students will join eventually. And even if they don’t, I’m okay with doing this on my own.”
After a short farewell, you left Ren to his work and moved on to the next club.
The Drama Club was anything but quiet.
As you arrived, Imperius Wovengale was in the middle of dramatically signing his name onto the club list, his long blue hair cascading behind him in waves of movement. His octopus-like pupils gleamed with satisfaction as he admired his own flourish of a signature.
“Ah,” Fibble muttered. “I can already tell he’s going to be… a lot.”
Before you could respond, a familiar figure turned toward you with a soft chuckle. You asked, more for yourself, if you didn’t already met this person.
“You must have met my twin brother, Noel,” he said, his green-blue heterochromatic eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’m Éponine D’Orveil. Welcome to the Drama Club.”
Elric, intrigued, leaned forward. “What kind of productions do you do?”
Éponine’s lips curled into a thoughtful smile. “We perform stage plays for the school festival, of course, but we also make short films for fun. We even have our own Spellsnap and ArcaneTube channels.”
Elric brightened. “That sounds amazing! You know what? I’ve decided—I’m joining.” Without hesitation, he grabbed the pen from Imperius and added his name to the list.
Éponine clapped his hands together. “Wonderful! Welcome to the club.”
Rune chuckled. “Guess we’ll see you around, then.”
With that, you moved on to the last club on your tour.
The Art Club’s presence was impossible to miss. Its booth was vibrant, covered in sketches, paintings, and small sculptures, a true explosion of creativity. And at its center—quite literally hovering above the booth—was Faylen Charmwright.
The fairy dorm leader of Astraquartz greeted you with a mid-air twirl before landing gracefully. “Welcome, darlings! If you love art—painting, drawing, sculpting—then you’ve come to the right place!”
Rune’s tail wasted no time curling toward Faylen, nuzzling against him in greeting. Rune, startled, started to pull it back, but Faylen only laughed. “Oh, no need for that! I’m quite familiar with goblin-faes. In fact, my city has welcomed several progressive ones. They’re doing wonderfully, they are fighting twice as hard against the wilder ones who still raid.”
Rune blinked. “Wait, really?”
Faylen nodded with a knowing smile. “My mother remarried, you see. My stepfather is a goblin-fae himself. I wouldn’t dream of judging another.”
Excitement flashed across Rune’s face, and without hesitation, he grabbed the pen and signed up. “I’m in!”
Then all eyes turned to you.
You hesitated, indecive. Every club had its charm, and yet, choosing felt impossible.
Fibble sighed. “Honestly, they all seem equally pointless.”
Faylen, still floating slightly above the ground, winked. “Ah, but joining a club is an obligation. You can’t just float through the year without one.”
Before you could reply, a voice cut in from behind.
“Well, well. Have we found our answer yet?”
You turned to see the Headmage standing there, his arms crossed as he surveyed the clubs with a neutral expression. He arched an eyebrow at you. “Every student must join a club. Which one will it be?”
The weight of the decision settled over you as Rune, Fibble and Faylen watched, waiting for your answer.
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